WE'RE GOING TO WEMBLEY: Fleet heroes will cherish Wembley experience for life, says Kimble

ALAN KIMBLE was an emotional figure and bursting with pride after Ebbsfleet United booked their place in the FA Carlsberg Trophy Final for the very first time yesterday, writes Stephen McCartney.

Michael Bostwick scored a dramatic last-gasp leveller to ensure that the Fleet came away from Blue Square leaders Aldershot Town with a 1-1 draw.

And after winning the first leg at Stonebridge Road seven days earlier, the Fleet came through a nail-biting, tense second leg in the rain at a packed Recreation ground, winning 4-2 on aggregate.

The Kent heroes will play Torquay United in the Wembley showpiece final on Saturday, 10^th May.

“I’ve just like to say a big thank you to the players, supporters today, fantastic support what they’ve brought down today,” assistant manager Kimble told www.kentishfootball.co.uk yesterday - the most nerveracking day of the Kent football season.

The Kent heroes had to withstand plenty of pressure as Aldershot Town went in search for the two goals to take the game into extra time.

And when Junior Mendes pulled a goal back after 62 minutes, the Fleet were hanging on to dear life, but too a man, every Fleet player ensured goalkeeper Lance Cronin wasn’t beaten again.

“I know we had to weather the storm today and we did from one to eleven, even when the subs come on,” beamed Kimble.

“We all had jobs to do and they done it magnificently. Absolutely jubilation at the end when we scored, last kick of the game.

“But we had a game plan, we stuck to it today from the first whistle to the last and thankfully enough we’re at Wembley.”

Kimble and boss Liam Daish have already played at Wembley Stadium, but the whole of Kent can now look forward to a big day out on 10^th May and Fleet’s players can be proud of their achievements.

“The boys will have a massive experience, myself and Liam have been there already,” recalled a proud Kimble.

“It’s a day to cherish for the rest of your life.

“We’re going to be there, a big crowd, your mums and dads, girlfriends, wives, kids, all your family. They’re going to be so proud when you walk out that Wembley Stadium, that big tunnel, maybe 60,000 whatever.”

But Ebbsfleet United have defeated Carshalton Athletic, Dorchester Town, Weymouth, Burton Albion and Aldershot Town to deserve their glory. Let’s go on and win it boys!

And Kimble said: “It’s a credit to the boys what they’ve done this season. They’ve took on what we’ve tried to do this season and done it fantastic - can’t think highly of them!”

Although Bostwick scored the equaliser yesterday, it was arguably Irish defender Paul McCarthy, 36, that sealed the Fleet’s passage to Wembley.

Chris McPhee netted two first half penalties during the first half of last Saturday’s first-leg at Stonebridge Road, McCarthy netted that all important third within a minute of Junior Mendes - who scored yesterday - pulled the score back to 2-1.

And Kimble paid tribute to such a true professional.

“The way he played today, he’s got another two or three years on him, easy,” he said.

“He’ll look after himself like he does, he’s a true professional and with the young lads you need a little bit of experience in your team.

“With Paul McCarthy, Peter Hawkins, Sacha Opinel, a fantastic achievement for those three boys and it can only improve us between now and the end of the season.”

Getting to Wembley for a second time for a play-off final would be the icing on the cake.

“We’ve still got a lot to play for, we’re only nine points behind in the play-off’s, a couple games in hand but we’ve got to go again on Tuesday,” said Kimble.

“We’ve got to enjoy tonight, put it to bed on Monday morning, back in ready to go away to Histon on Tuesday.

“You never know we might be able to do the double. It will be fantastic for this club but you’ve got to be realistic in football.”

Yesterday was a very proud day for everybody at the club. The people that have supported the Fleet through thick and thin.

And Kimble is proud of every member of their playing squad, especially the players that were forced out of yesterday’s tense encounter.

“We knew we had to weather the storm but they’ve done a professional performance. No matter, drew 1-1 and ok maybe a little hint of offside with their goal but we stuck it all the way until the end.

“We knew, we believed in this squad, we believe in the players we’ve got and we believe we can go on now and win the trophy.

“You can see why Aldershot are top of the league. They’re fit, they’re strong, they’re young, a bit like our team but we’re just going to go there on May 10^th and enjoy ourselves and I’ve said there’s still a long way to go in the league.

“You’ve got to take gambles at times and today I thought every one of them from one to 21 all the squad was here today.

“Danny Slatter, whose been out for the majority of the season, all season, Gary MacDonald, just coming back, it’s good for these boys, Ronnie Bull, he’s cup-tied.

“But we’re going to Wembley and that is the main thing. Ebbsfleet United are going to Wembley. You wouldn’t believe it but we’re there!”

WELL DONE THE FLEET - KENT’S SO PROUD OF YOU!

Visit Ebbsfleet United’s website: www.ebbsfleetunited.co.uk